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CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warm up prior to a game against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers entered this season as one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. They were the number-one team in the East in the regular season a year ago. Because of that, they were expected to once again be near the top of the conference.
Things haven’t quite gone as planned so far. Heading out of the All-Star break, the Cavs sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Right before the break, they made the decision to trade for James Harden. The front office believes that it will help them get closer to winning a title.
Donovan Mitchell was the only Cavalier to make the All-Star Game. He was very clear about the only goal that matters to him for the rest of the season.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shoots the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Cavaliers Guard Donovan Mitchell States Massive Team Goal
After the All-Star Game, Mitchell was asked about the rest of the season. He stated that the only goal that matters is winning a title.
“The goal is to get a championship. That’s the goal, nothing but. Obviously, we just acquired James (Harden), Dennis (Schroder), and Keon (Ellis). So just use this break to go out there and be like ‘Hey, it’s time to go’, and get somewhere we haven’t been before.”
Mitchell is dead set on winning a title this year. After being upset by the Indiana Pacers last year, they set the goal before the season to win it all. He is still the best player on the team, but he has never made the Eastern Conference Finals with this team.
Right now, the Cavs have the fifth-best offense in the NBA. Adding Harden should only increase their offensive efficiency, as he is still one of the best offensive players in the league. Defensively, they won’t be any better than an average team.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shoots the ball. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Are All-In for a Title
Cleveland is one of the few teams in the league that is in the second apron. They are one of the most expensive teams in the NBA as they pursue a title. If they are not able to win it all this season, there likely will be some massive changes to the roster heading into the 2026-27 season.
The Cavaliers started playing better right before the All-Star break. Mitchell wants the team to integrate the new players as soon as they can so they can figure out how all of the pieces are going to fit for the rest of the season. Harden, Schroder, and Ellis have only played a few games with the Cavs.
How well Harden fits in as the point guard of the team now that Darius Garland is one will be one of the keys for the rest of the season. Mitchell is still the go-to player, but Harden also needs the ball in his hands in order for him to be successful.